Rigg unfazed by Oxford United's cup exits

SEAN Rigg believes Oxford United’s players will not be affected by their elimination from two cup competitions in four days due to the level of the performances.

This time last week the U’s were fighting on three fronts, but their only goal now is the npower League Two campaign following a double setback.

Last weekend they were the better side for long spells but a lack of cutting edge saw them knocked out of the FA Cup 3-0 by npower League One side Sheffield United.

And United’s hopes in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy were ended on Tuesday, when a makeshift side lost to Southend United on a penalty shoot-out.

Rigg, who scored a last-gasp equaliser to set up spot-kicks, is confident the manner of the setbacks means there will not be a hangover when the league programme resumes at Bradford City tomorrow.

He said: “I don’t think we’re going to worry about it too much. “We played well in both games and the 3-0 against Sheffield United didn’t reflect on the game – they just showed a bit of class in the attacking third.

“Against Southend we managed to come back into the game twice, so we’ll keep our heads held high and look forward to Bradford.”

The U’s head to Valley Parade on the back of a seven-game unbeaten league run, which has taken them back into the fringes of the play-off race.

It has made Rigg optimistic for the second half of the season.

He said: “Lately we’ve shown a lot of character and we’ve been on a great run in the league.

“I think we’re definitely coming together as a team, obviously we had that bad run earlier on in the season but now we’re playing well.

“There’s a lot of confidence in the boys and we’ve just got to keep it going.”

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